Troy Aikman retired as a Dallas Cowboy after they released him following the 2000 season, but he almost came out of retirement to play for a division rival.
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Aikman told the Dallas Morning News that Andy Reid called him during the 2001-02 season after Donovan McNabb broke his leg. Aikman, who had already started his career as a broadcaster, said he mulled Reid's offer over for a day.
"I retired, got into broadcasting. Then it was two years later when I got a call from Andy Reid in the middle of a game that I was broadcasting after Donovan McNabb had broken his leg," Aikman said. "He wanted me to sign with Philadelphia and come out of retirement right then and go to work for them. And I gave it some consideration - actually I told Andy I was going to sleep on it and call him in the morning.
"I called my producer at FOX and asked him what he thought my career was long-term in television. Then I called [former Cowboys offensive coordinator] Norv Turner and talked to him about it from the football perspective. And I woke up the next morning and I just thought, 'Man, is this something I really want to do?' And I decided against it. So I called Andy and said, 'Look. I appreciate the interest, but I'm going to stay put and best of luck.' And they ended up going on and having success with A.J. Feely. And ultimately they made it to the NFC Championship Game that year."
Aikman was 36 at the time, and he had been retired for nearly two seasons. At that point, A.J. Feely was probably a better option for the Eagles, who made four consecutive NFC title games.
Still, it would've been very strange seeing Aikman in an Eagles' uniform. Everything worked out for the best for both sides.
(h/t Pro Football Talk)
